Hey everyone! A couple of years back, I dipped my toes into freelancing while working full-time as a Software Engineer. I wanted to earn some extra income in my afternoons, but I quickly got discouraged by Upwork where many clients expected top-notch work for just $50. Fast forward to 2025, I logged back into Upwork and noticed that things haven't changed much. I still see low-budget projects, and now I have to buy connects to bid, which feels frustrating. I've also come across some chatter about fake job posts aimed at wasting freelancers' connects. I live in a country with a cost of living higher than some mid-GDP EU countries, so $5/hr is not viable for me. So, fellow freelancers, I'm curious—where are you finding your gigs these days? Is LinkedIn a good option, or are there other platforms you prefer? Thanks, and hope you're having a great Sunday!
6 Answers
I've had good results from the monthly hiring threads on Hacker News. Doing a quick search for part-time gigs there can lead to some interesting opportunities.
If you're interested in upselling businesses on developing websites alongside apps, you might want to check out weblessleads.com. They help find businesses that need a website.
With your level of experience, have you checked out Toptal? It might be a better fit for someone with your background.
In Sweden, it's all about referrals! Plus, I've noticed some brokers popping up that can help freelancers connect with clients more easily. Might be worth looking into those.
Networking and referrals are really the way to go! Connecting with people in your industry and getting those personal recommendations can lead to better opportunities.
Engaging with businesses directly about their needs can also open doors. It's all about showcasing how you can solve their problems.
Don’t forget about your local scene! Sometimes the best gigs come from nearby businesses looking for help.
Totally agree! Local meetups and keeping in touch with past clients has worked well for me.